Figurative Language in Lana Del Rey’s and Taylor Swift’s Song Lyrics

Authors

  • Isabela Aileen Petra Christian University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9744/katakita.14.2.191-196

Keywords:

Figurative Language, Song Lyrics, Perrine’s Theory, Comparative Analysis.

Abstract

This study analyzes figurative language in two song albums: Born to Die (2012) by Lana Del Rey and reputation (2017) by Taylor Swift. Using Perrine’s (2017) theoretical framework, this qualitative research examines figurative devices found in selected song lyrics. The data consist of lyrics from both albums. The findings reveal that both artists use various types of figurative language, including simile, metaphor, personification, metonymy, symbol, allegory, paradox, overstatement, understatement, and irony. Lana Del Rey frequently uses symbolic and emotional imagery and often combines multiple figurative devices within a single line, while Taylor Swift emphasizes narrative clarity and emotional contrast. Apostrophe appears only in Lana Del Rey’s lyrics. The study also identifies mixed figurative types, with seven combinations in Lana Del Rey’s songs and six in Taylor Swift’s. Overall, figurative language in both albums strengthens themes, emotions, and storytelling.

References

Firdaus, E. (2013). Textual meaning in song lyrics. English Language and Literature Study Program at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, 1(1), 99–106. https://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/psg/article/view/349

Lana Del Rey. (2012). Born To Die [Album]. Interscope Records.

Perrine, L. (2017). Perrine’s literature: Structure, sound, and sense (13th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Ruth, N., & Schramm, H. (2020). Effects of prosocial lyrics and musical production elements on emotions, thoughts and behavior. Psychology of Music, 49(4), 759–776. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735620902534

Santika, P., & Syafryadin, S. (2023). An analysis of figurative language in song lyrics of the album Midnights by Taylor Swift. Wiralodra English Journal, 7(1), 14–28. https://doi.org/10.31943/wej.v7i1.189

Taylor Swift. (2017). Reputation [Album]. Big Machine Records.

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Published

2026-07-02

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2026):

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Isabela Aileen

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